Genesis 50: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 50 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Genesis chapter 50 concludes the Book of Genesis with the death of Jacob and the mourning of his sons. After Jacob's passing, Joseph, deeply grieved, ensures that his father is given a proper burial in Canaan, as per Jacob's last wishes. Joseph's brothers fear that, after their father's death, Joseph might seek revenge for the wrongs they committed against him years earlier.

Key verse

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive.”
Genesis 50:20 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 50:1–2 Joseph Mourning for Jacob
Genesis 50:3–6 Burying Jacob in Canaan
Genesis 50:7–10 The Mourning Procession
Genesis 50:11–14 The Burial of Jacob
Genesis 50:15–21 Joseph's Brothers' Fear
Genesis 50:22–26 Joseph's Final Words and Death

Discussion questions

In v1, why does Joseph weep and kiss his father's face?
What does Joseph command in v2 regarding his father's body?
Joseph's response in v19: how does he express his understanding of God's role in their past?
In v20, how does Joseph frame his brothers' actions toward him?
When has someone shown you forgiveness that you felt you did not deserve?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 50: Romans 8, Genesis 45, Psalm 119.

Before next time: read Exodus 1.